7 Beautiful Spring Hikes to Explore in Southern California

Spring is the best time for hiking in Southern California, in our opinion. Not only you’ll get the perfect hiking temperature, but you also get to see the beautiful wildflowers sprinkle along the trails. Therefore, we put together a list of our favorite beautiful spring hikes for you to explore in Southern California. This list is in no particular order.

1. Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Hike

Distance: 5-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Level: Intermediate

Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Hike doesn’t have a lot of wildflowers since it is a desert hike. However, because it is a desert hike, the temperature in the Spring is perfect for this hike. Located in Mecca, Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Hike will take you through the slot canyon, colorful mountains, unusual geologic formations, and the strategically placed ladders. This definitely makes this hike one of the best spring hikes in Southern California.

2. Three Sister Falls

Distance: 4.5 miles R.T.
Elevation Gain: 1,033ft
Level: Moderate

About 30 minutes from Julian, the Three Sister Falls hike features one of the best Southern California waterfalls when it is flowing. There are three main falls, making up the three sisters, cascading over the rocks. In the Spring, your chance of seeing the flowing waterfalls will be a lot higher, especially if there are some good rain prior.

3. Potato Chip Rock

Potato Chip Rock Hike is beautiful year-round. It is arguably the most photographed hike in the San Diego area. This hike gives hikers amazing panoramic views and the chance to stand on a rock that seems to defy gravity. Even though you can hike this year-round, Spring will give you pleasant weather, green hills, and spectacular blossoms.

4. Eagle Rock Trail

Distance: 6.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 965 ft
Level: Moderate

Starting from Warner Springs, Eagle Rock Trail is part of the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Despite its length (6.4 miles), this trail is a must-do! Eagle Rock trail takes you to its namesake, a rock formation that resembles an eagle spreading its wing. That’s not the only attraction of this trail though. In the Spring, the trail is full of beautiful vast fields of wildflowers and purple foxtails. It is quite breathtaking.

5. Cave of Munits to Castle Peak

Distance: 0.8 miles to the cave | 2.1 – 2.5 miles loop to Castle Peak
Elevation: 250 ft to the cave | 750 ft if you complete the loop.
Level: Easy to cave | Moderate for the whole hike

Located in West Hills, Los Angeles, the Cave of Munits to Castle Peak Hike will take you to a super cool chimney cave. If you like the challenge, you can climb out the top of the cave and go up to the ridgeline. From here, you can hike to the summit of Castle Peak. The view up here is beautiful. You’ll have a panoramic view over the west end of the San Fernando Valley.

Since there are minimal shades, this hike is best to do in the cooler weather. It is also especially stunning during the Spring when everything is green, and the wildflowers are blooming.

6. Vanalden Cave

Distance: 0.5 miles R.T.
Elevation: 100 ft
Level: Easy

Vanalden Cave is only about 12 miles from the Cave of Munits. It is a big sandstone cave that is at least 20 ft tall and about 50 ft deep. This place is super cool to explore. There are tons of beautiful wildflowers along the trail if you come here in the Spring.

7. Monserate Mountain Trail

Distance: 4.7 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 1381 ft
Level: Moderate

Located on the side of Interstate 15 in Fallbrook, Monserate Mountain Trail is a popular trail for locals and tourists alike. Besides being a butt-kicker, this trail also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the Spring, besides the mild temperature, you’ll also get the beautiful green landscape and colorful wildflowers. This makes Monserate Mountain Trail one of the best hikes to explore in the Spring in Southern California.

We hope you have an awesome time exploring these beautiful trails. If you have any addition to the list, we would love to hear!

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RECOMMEND GEAR:

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

• Hiking shoes
You should wear good hiking shoes when attempting these hikes. Vy’s shoes are Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Dustin’s shoes are TARGHEE III WATERPROOF.

• Sunscreen
Always use sunscreen! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe, and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.

• Water
It is always smart to bring extra water. Vy uses the Camelback L.U.X.E. Dustin uses the Clik Small pack (sadly Clik is no longer around). Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is also a great backpack for shorter hikes.

• Snacks/Lunches
Depends on the length of the hikes, snacks and lunches are a must.

• Jacket
In some areas, Spring weather can be a bit chilly. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! It can keep you warm, yet pack up super light. You can get Vy’s version here, and Dustin’s version here. If you want some thing lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket